Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus including the same

ABSTRACT

A zoom lens comprises, from object to image side: a positive first-lens unit; a negative second-lens unit; a positive third-lens unit; and a positive fourth-lens unit; the third-lens unit comprising a negative 3a&#39;th-lens sub-unit and positive 3b&#39;th-lens sub-unit from object side; the second-lens unit and fourth-lens unit moving on the optical axis during zooming; the 3b&#39;th-lens sub-unit moving in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby displacing an image perpendicular to the optical axis; the 3a&#39;th-lens sub-unit comprising a negative-lens element G3an whose both surfaces are spherical, and a positive-lens element whose both surfaces are spherical; the 3b&#39;th-lens sub-unit including a positive-lens element G3bp including an aspherical lens surface, and a negative-lens element; wherein, assuming that the indices of the materials of the negative-lens element G3an and the positive-lens element G3bp are NG3an and NG3bp respectively, 0.21&lt;NG3an−NG3bp is satisfied.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a zoom lens, which is particularlysuitable as a photographic optical system such as a video camera, acamera for silver-salt film, a digital camera, or the like.

2. Description of the Related Art

When photographing an object, if vibration occurs in a photographicsystem, blurring occurs in the photographic image. In order to solvethis problem, various types of image stabilizing optical systems,including image stabilizing performance for preventing blurring fromoccurring in photographic images, have been proposed.

Many zoom lenses serving as photographic systems have been known whereina part of a lens unit is displaced, thereby correcting image blurring.

A zoom lens has been known wherein with a zoom lens having a four-groupconfiguration consisting of first, second, third, and fourth lens unitshaving positive, negative, positive, and positive refractive power inorder from the object side to the image side, a part of the third lensunit is vibrated in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis,thereby obtaining a still image.

A zoom lens has been known wherein the third lens unit is divided into alens unit having negative refractive power and a lens unit havingpositive refractive power, and the lens unit having positive refractivepower is vibrated in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis,thereby obtaining a still image. For example, such a zoom lens has beendescribed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-128619, U.S. Pat. No.6,473,231, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-244037, and JapanesePatent Laid-Open No. 2003-322795.

In general, with a photographic system for stabilizing an image bysubjecting a part of a lens unit of the photographic system to shiftdecentration, there is an advantage wherein there is no need to providea particular optical system for stabilizing an image.

However, this also includes a problem wherein there is the need toprovide space for a lens unit to be moved, and also a decentrationaberration occurs at the time of image stabilizing.

In recent years, with video cameras, digital cameras, and so forth,there is a demand for a reduction in the overall size of the camera,while yielding a high quality image. Therefore, there is a demand for azoom lens wherein decentration aberration can be minimized at the timeof image stabilizing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a zoom lens which can reduce occurrenceof a decentration aberration when stabilizing an image by subjecting alens unit to eccentricity so as to have components in the directionperpendicular to the optical axis, and exhibit excellent opticalperformance.

To this end, according to one aspect of the present invention, A zoomlens comprises, in order from the object side to the image side: a firstlens unit having positive refractive power; a second lens unit havingnegative refractive power; a third lens unit having positive refractivepower; and a fourth lens unit having positive refractive power; whereinthe third lens unit consists of or includes, in order from the objectside to the image side a 3a'th lens sub-unit having negative refractivepower, and a 3b'th lens sub-unit having positive refractive power; andwherein the second lens unit and the fourth lens unit move on theoptical axis during zooming; and wherein the 3b'th lens sub-unit movesin a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby displacing animage in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis; and whereinthe 3a'th lens sub-unit consists of or includes a negative lens elementG3an both of whose major surfaces are spherical surfaces, and a positivelens element, both of whose both major surfaces are spherical surfaces;and wherein the 3b'th lens sub-unit consists of or includes a positivelens element G3bp having an aspherical lens surface, and a negative lenselement; and wherein, when assuming that the indices of the materials ofthe negative lens element G3an and the positive lens element G3 bp areNG3an and NG3 bp respectively, a condition of 0.21<NG3an−NG3bp issatisfied.

Also, according to another aspect of the present invention, a zoom lenscomprises, in order from the object side to the image side: a first lensunit having positive refractive power; a second lens unit havingnegative refractive power; a third lens unit having positive refractivepower; and a fourth lens unit having positive refractive power; whereinthe third lens unit consists of, in order from the object side to theimage side a 3a'th lens sub-unit having negative refractive power, and a3b'th lens sub-unit having positive refractive power; and wherein thesecond lens unit and the fourth lens unit move on the optical axisduring zooming; and wherein the 3b'th lens sub-unit moves in a directionperpendicular to the optical axis, thereby displacing an image in thedirection perpendicular to the optical axis; and wherein the 3b'th lenssub-unit consists of or includes a positive lens element G3bp includingan aspherical lens surface, and a negative lens element; and wherein,when assuming that the index of the material of the positive lenselement G3bp is NG3bp, and the index of the material of the positivelens element having the highest index of a material which is part of thefourth lens unit is NG4p, a condition of 0.07<NG4p−NG3bp is satisfied.

Also, according to another aspect of the present invention, a zoom lenscomprises, in order from the object side to the image side: a first lensunit having positive refractive power; a second lens unit havingnegative refractive power; a third lens unit having positive refractivepower; and a fourth lens unit having positive refractive power; whereinthe third lens unit consists of, in order from the object side to theimage side a 3a'th lens sub-unit having negative refractive power, and a3b'th lens sub-unit having positive refractive power; and wherein thesecond lens unit and the fourth lens unit move on the optical axisduring zooming; and wherein the first lens unit consists of or includes,in order from the object side to the image side a negative lens elementG11, a positive lens element G12, a positive lens element G13, and apositive lens element G14; and wherein the 3a'th lens sub-unit whoselens elements are spherical lens elements; and wherein the 3b'th lenssub-unit consists of or includes a positive lens element having anaspherical lens surface, and a negative lens element; and wherein whenassuming that the Abbe numbers of the materials of the positive lenselement G12, positive lens element G13, and positive lens element G14are vdG12, vdG13, and vdG14, the conditions 60.1<vdG12<75.1,60.1<vdG13<75.1, 49.1<vdG14<60.1 are satisfied.

Also, according to another aspect of the present invention, an imagepickup apparatus comprises: a solid-state image pickup element; and thezoom lens serving as one aspect of the present invention configured toform an image of a object on the solid-state image pickup element.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a lens at the wide angle end of azoom lens according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a chart illustrating various aberrations at the wide angle endof the zoom range of a zoom lens according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a chart illustrating various aberrations at the mid-zoomposition of the zoom lens according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a chart illustrating various aberrations at the telephoto endof the zoom range of a zoom lens according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a lens at the wide angle end of azoom range of a zoom lens according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a chart illustrating various aberrations at the wide angle endof the zoom range of a zoom lens according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a chart illustrating various aberrations at the mid-zoomposition of the zoom lens according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a chart illustrating various aberrations at the telephoto endof the zoom range of a zoom lens according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a lens at the wide angle end of thezoom range of a zoom lens according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a chart illustrating various aberrations at the wide angleend of the zoom range of a zoom lens according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a chart illustrating various aberrations at the mid-zoomposition of the zoom lens according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a chart illustrating various aberrations at the telephoto endof the zoom range of a zoom lens according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a principal-component schematic diagram of an image pickupapparatus according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

A zoom lens and an image pickup apparatus (digital still camera, videocamera, etc.) according to the present invention will now be described.A requirement for a zoom lens according to the present invention is oneof the following (i), (ii), and (iii).

(i) A zoom lens according to the present invention consisting of orincluding, in order from the object side to the image side:

-   -   a first lens unit having positive refractive power;    -   a second lens unit having negative refractive power;    -   a third lens unit having positive refractive power; and    -   a fourth lens unit having positive refractive power;    -   wherein the third lens unit consists of or includes, in order        from the object side to the image side

a 3a'th lens sub-unit (a first lens subunit) having negative refractivepower, and

a 3b'th lens sub-unit (a second lens subunit) having positive refractivepower;

-   -   and wherein the second lens unit and the fourth lens unit move        on the optical axis during zooming (at the time of zooming);    -   wherein the 3b'th lens sub-unit moves in a direction (having a        component in the direction) perpendicular to the optical axis,        thereby displacing an image in the direction perpendicular to        the optical axis;    -   and wherein the 3a'th lens sub-unit consists of

a negative lens element G3an both of whose major surfaces have aspherical shape, and

a positive lens element both of whose major surfaces have a sphericalshape;

-   -   and wherein the 3b'th lens sub-unit includes

a positive lens element G3 bp including an aspherical lens surface, and

a negative lens element;

-   -   and wherein, when assuming that the indices of the materials of        the negative lens element G3an and the positive lens element        G3bp are NG3an and NG3bp respectively, a condition of        0.21<NG3an−NG3bp  (1)        is satisfied.

(ii) A zoom lens according to the present invention consisting of orincluding, in order from the object side to the image side:

-   -   a first lens unit having positive refractive power;    -   a second lens unit having negative refractive power;    -   a third lens unit having positive refractive power; and    -   a fourth lens unit having positive refractive power;    -   wherein the third lens unit consists of, in order from the        object side to the image side,        -   a 3a'th lens sub-unit having negative refractive power, and        -   a 3b'th lens sub-unit having positive refractive power;    -   and wherein the second lens unit and the fourth lens unit move        on the optical axis during zooming;    -   and wherein the 3b'th lens sub-unit moves in a direction (having        a component in the direction) perpendicular to the optical axis,        thereby displacing an image in the direction perpendicular to        the optical axis;    -   and wherein the 3b'th lens sub-unit includes        -   a positive lens element G3 bp including an aspherical lens            surface, and        -   a negative lens element;    -   and wherein, when assuming that the index of the material of the        positive lens element G3bp is NG3bp, and the index of the        material of a positive lens element having the highest        refractive index in the fourth lens unit is NG4p, a condition of        0.07<NG4p−NG3bp  (2)        is satisfied.

(iii) A zoom lens according to the present invention consisting of orincluding, in order from the object side to the image side:

-   -   a first lens unit having positive refractive power;    -   a second lens unit having negative refractive power;    -   a third lens unit having positive refractive power; and    -   a fourth lens unit having positive refractive power;    -   wherein the third lens unit consists of or includes, in order        from the object side to the image side,        -   a 3a'th lens sub-unit having negative refractive power, and        -   a 3b'th lens sub-unit having positive refractive power;    -   and wherein the second lens unit and the fourth lens unit move        on the optical axis during zooming;    -   and wherein the first lens unit consists of or includes, in        order from the object side to the image side,        -   a negative lens element G11,        -   a positive lens element G12,        -   a positive lens element G13, and        -   a positive lens element G14;    -   and wherein the 3a'th lens sub-unit has lens elements which are        spherical lens elements;    -   and wherein the 3b'th lens sub-unit consists of or includes        -   a positive lens element including an aspherical lens            surface, and        -   a negative lens element;    -   and wherein, when assuming that the Abbe numbers of the        materials of the positive lens element G12, positive lens        element G13, and positive lens element G14 are vdG12, vdG13, and        vdG14, conditions of        60.1<vdG12<75.1  (3)        60.1<vdG13<75.1  (4)        49.1<vdG14<60.1  (5)        are satisfied.

With a zoom lens according to the present embodiment, at least any oneof the above-mentioned zoom lenses of (i), (ii), and (iii) is taken as anecessary requirement. In other words, as long as a zoom lens is one ofthe above-mentioned zoom lenses of (i), (ii), and (iii), the problems ofthe present invention can be solved, so a requirement not particularlydescribed in (i), (ii), and (iii) is not an indispensable requirement inorder to solve the problems.

Description will be made below regarding a specific example of a zoomlens and an image pickup apparatus according to the present embodimentwith reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

Description will be made below regarding a zoom lens according to thepresent embodiment, and an embodiment of an image pickup apparatusincluding the zoom lens thereof with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a zoom lens according to a firstembodiment at the wide angle end of its zoom range, and FIG. 2, FIG. 3,and FIG. 4 are aberration charts at the wide angle end, the position inthe middle, and the telephoto end of the zoom range according to thefirst embodiment when focusing on an object at infinity.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a zoom lens at the wide angle end ofthe zoom range according to a second embodiment, and FIGS. 6 through 8are aberration charts at the wide angle end, the position in the middle,and the telephoto end of the zoom range according to the secondembodiment when focusing on an object at infinity.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a zoom lens at the wide angle end ofthe zoom range according to a third embodiment, and FIGS. 10 through 12are aberration charts at the wide angle end, the position in the middle,and the telephoto end of the zoom range according to the thirdembodiment when focusing on an object at infinity.

FIG. 13 is a principal components schematic diagram of a video camera(image pickup apparatus) including a zoom lens according to the presentinvention.

With the cross-sectional view of a lens shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 9, L1denotes a first lens unit having positive refractive power (opticalpower=the inverse number of a focal length), L2 denotes a second lensunit having negative refractive power, L3 denotes a third lens unithaving positive refractive power, and L4 denotes a fourth lens unithaving positive refractive power.

The third lens unit L3 consists of or includes a 3a'th lens unit (afirst lens subunit) L3 a having negative refractive power, and a 3b'thlens unit (a second lens subunit) L3 b having positive refractive powerwhich moves in a direction (having a component in the direction)perpendicular to the optical axis for image stabilizing (for regulatingthe displacement of an image). Note that as for movement for imagestabilizing, oscillating (rotational movement) centered on a certainrotational point on the optical axis may be employed. The 3b'th lensunit L3 b for image stabilizing is moved in a direction having acomponent in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Now, it issufficient for the 3b'th lens unit L3 b to move in a direction which isonly slightly perpendicular to the direction of the optical axis, i.e.,it is sufficient that the direction in which the 3b'th lens unit L3 bmoves has a component perpendicular to the optical axis. Morespecifically, the direction in which the 3b'th lens unit L3 b moves maybe either the direction perpendicular to the optical axis or thedirection oblique to the optical axis, as long as the image can be movedin a direction perpendicular to the optical axis within the image plane.

Reference symbol G denotes an optical block equivalent to an opticalfilter, face plate, or the like. IP denotes an image plane, and whenemploying as the photographic optical system of a video camera ordigital still camera, the imaging plane of a solid-state image pickupelement (photoelectric conversion element) such as a CCD sensor, CMOSsensor, or the like is equivalent to this image plane IP, and whenemploying as a camera for silver-halide film, the film plane isequivalent to this image plane IP. In other words, an image of an objectis formed on the imaging plane (on the solid-state image pickup elementor film plane) using the photoelectric optical system. Also, SP denotesan aperture stop, which is provided at the object side of the 3a'th lensunit L3 a.

With the aberration charts, d represents a d-line, g represents ag-line, M represents a meridional image plane, S represents a sagittalimage plane, and a lateral chromatic aberration is represented with ag-line. Fno denotes an F-stop, and ω denotes a half-field angle. Notethat with the following respective embodiments, the zoom positions ofthe wide angle end and telephoto end mean the zoom position where a lensunit for zooming (the second lens unit L2 with each of the embodiments)is positioned at respective ends of a range mechanically movable on theoptical axis.

With the respective embodiments, in the event of zooming from the wideangle end to the telephoto end, the second lens unit L2 is moved to theimage side to perform zooming, and also variation in the image planealong with zooming is corrected by moving the fourth lens unit L4 to theobject side on part of a convex-shaped locus.

Also, a rear focus method is employed wherein the fourth lens unit L4 ismoved on the optical axis to perform focusing. A solid-line curve 4 aand a dotted-line curve 4 b of the fourth lens unit L4 are each movementloci for correcting the variation in the image plane in the event ofzooming from the wide angle end to the telephoto end when focusing on aninfinite-distance object and a short-distance object respectively.

Thus, the fourth lens unit L4 is arranged so as to assume aconvex-shaped locus toward the object side, whereby effective use of thespace between the third lens unit L3 and the fourth lens unit L4 isrealized, and consequently, reduction in the full lens length iseffectively achieved. Note that the first lens unit L1 and the thirdlens unit L3 are immovable for zooming and focusing.

With the respective embodiments, for example, focusing from an object atinfinity to a short-distance object at the zoom position of thetelephoto end is performed by the fourth lens unit L4 being movedforward such as shown with an arrow 4 c.

With the respective embodiments, an arrangement is made wherein imageblurring when the entire optical system is vibrated is corrected bymoving the 3b'th lens sub-unit (image stabilizing lens unit) L3 b in adirection having a component in a direction perpendicular to the opticalaxis. The 3b'th lens sub-unit L3 b is moved in a direction having acomponent in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, i.e., thedirection perpendicular to the optical axis, or a direction inclined(oblique) to the optical axis, whereby movement within the image planecan be performed, and consequently, image stabilizing can be performed.Thus, image stabilizing can be performed without adding an opticalmember such as a variable vertex angle prism or the like, and a lensunit for image stabilizing, and consequently, an increase in the size ofthe entire optical system is prevented. With the respective embodiments,the first lens unit L1 consists of a negative lens element G11, abiconvex-shaped positive lens element G12, a positive lens element G13whose object side is a convex surface, and a meniscus-shaped positivelens element G14 whose object side is a convex surface, in order fromthe object side to the image side.

The negative lens element G11 and the positive lens element G12 arejoined.

The second lens unit L2 consists of a meniscus-shaped negative lenselement whose image side is a concave surface, a negative lens elementwhose object side is a concave surface, a biconvex-shaped positive lenselement, and a biconcave-shaped negative lens element, in order from theobject side to the image side. According to such a lens configuration,the second lens unit L2 reduces variation in aberrations when zooming.

The third lens unit L3 consists of a 3a'th lens sub-unit having negativerefractive power, and a 3b'th lens sub-unit having positive refractivepower in order from the object side to the image side. Thus, back focushaving a sufficient length is secured.

Also, the 3a'th lens sub-unit L3 a consists of a negative lens elementG3an, and a positive lens element G3ap in order from the object side tothe image side. The absolute value of refractive power of the image sidesurface of the negative lens element G3an is larger (stronger) than thatof the object side surface. Both surfaces are spherical surfaces. Theabsolute value of refractive power of the object side surface of thepositive lens element G3ap is larger (stronger) than that of the imageside surface. Both surfaces are spherical surfaces. Note that here,refractive power is the reciprocal of focal distance.

The negative lens element G3an and the positive lens element G3ap arejoined.

With the first embodiment, the 3b'th lens sub-unit L3 b consists of apositive lens element G3 bp including an aspherical lens surface, and anegative lens element G3bn.

In the second and third embodiments, the 3b'th lens sub-unit L3 bconsists of a positive lens element G3 bp including an aspherical lenssurface, a negative lens element G3bn, and a positive lens element.

As described above, the 3b'th lens sub-unit L3 b is configured so as toinclude or consist of a positive lens element including an asphericalsurface and a negative lens element, thereby preventing opticalperformance at the time of image stabilizing correction fromdeteriorating.

Also, the 3a'th lens sub-unit L3 a consists of a negative lens elementand a positive lens element, whereby a longitudinal chromatic aberrationcan be improved, and also both lens elements are made up of a sphericallens, thereby facilitating manufacturing thereof.

The fourth lens unit L4 consists of or includes a biconvex-shapedpositive lens element, a meniscus-shaped negative lens element whoseobject side is a convex surface, and a positive lens element whoseobject side is a convex surface. Thus, variation in aberrations whenfocusing is reduced.

With the respective embodiments, an arrangement is made wherein one ormore of the conditions specified next are satisfied. Thus, an advantageequivalent to each condition is obtained.

Now, let us say that the refractive indices of the materials of thenegative lens element G3an and the positive lens element G3 bp which arefrom the third lens unit L3 are NG3an and NG3 bp respectively. Let usalso say that with the positive lens elements which are from the fourthlens unit L4, the highest index of the material indices is NG4p. Let usfurther say that the Abbe numbers of the materials of the positive lenselement G12, positive lens element G13, and positive lens element G14which are among the first lens unit L1 are vdG12, vdG13, and vdG14 inorder. Let us moreover say that the curvature radii of the lens surfacesat the object side and image side of the negative lens element G3anwhich is from the 3a'th lens sub-unit L3 a are RG3an1 and RG3an2respectively.

At this time, an arrangement is made wherein one or more of thefollowing conditions are satisfied:0.21<NG3an−NG3bp  (1)0.07<NG4p−NG3bp  (2)60.1<vdG12<75.1  (3)60.1<vdG13<75.1  (4)49.1<vdG14<60.1  (5)−1.0<RG3an2/RG3an1<0.1  (6)

Next, description will be made regarding the technical implications ofthe above-mentioned conditional expressions.

Conditional expression (1) relates to the difference between therefractive index of the material of the negative lens element G3an whichis part of the 3a'th lens sub-unit L3 a and the refractive index of thematerial of the positive lens element G3 bp of the 3b'th lens sub-unitL3 b.

In the event of exceeding the lower limit of Conditional expression (1),upon the index of the material of the negative lens element G3anbecoming low, or the index of the material of the positive lens elementG3 bp becoming high, the curvature of field exhibits overcorrection. Inorder to correct the curvature of field exhibiting overcorrection, forexample, with the 3a'th lens sub-unit L3 a, there is the need to employan aspherical lens element, which consequently makes it difficult tomanufacture.

Setting the lower limit of Conditional expression (1) to 0.25 isdesirable to make the curvature of field flat. Setting the lower limitof Conditional expression (1) to 0.29 is further desirable. Also, toohigh an index of the material of the negative lens element G3an makes itdifficult to perform processing and manufacturing, so it is desirable toset the upper limit of Conditional expression (1) to 0.51.

Conditional expression (2) relates to the difference between therefractive index of the material of the positive lens element G3 bpwhich is part of the 3b'th lens sub-unit L3 b and the index of thematerial of the positive lens element having the highest index of amaterial of the positive lens elements which comprise the fourth lensunit L4.

In the event of exceeding the lower limit of Conditional expression (2),upon the index of the material of the positive lens element G4p becominglow, or the index of the material of the positive lens element G3 bpbecoming high, the curvature of field exhibits undercorrection. In orderto correct the curvature of field exhibiting undercorrection, with thefourth lens unit L4 also, there is the need to employ an aspherical lenselement.

Consequently, employing an aspherical lens element makes it difficult tomanufacture. Setting to the lower limit of Conditional expression (2) to0.105 is desirable to make the image plane flat.

Also, upon the index of the material of the positive lens element G4pwhich is among the fourth lens unit L4 becoming high, the materialthereof becomes a low-dispersion material, which makes it difficult toperform correction of a lateral chromatic aberration at the wide angleend, so it is desirable to set the upper limit of Conditional expression(2) to 0.19.

Conditional expressions (3), (4), and (5) relate to the Abbe numbers ofthe materials of the positive lens elements G12, G13, and G14 which arepart of the first lens unit L1.

Exceeding the lower limits of the respective conditional expressionsmakes it difficult to improve longitudinal chromatic aberration andlateral chromatic aberration. Also, exceeding the upper limits of therespective conditional expressions makes the relevant material alow-dispersion material, and also makes the index low, whichconsequently makes it difficult to perform correction of a sphericalaberration.

It is further desirable to set Conditional expressions (3), (4), and (5)to the following numerical ranges.62<vdG12<70  (3a)60.3<vdG13<70  (4a)49.3<vdG14<56  (5a)

Conventional expression (6) relates to the lens shape of the negativelens element G3an which is part of the 3a'th lens sub-unit L3 a.

Exceeding the lower limit of Conditional expression (6) makes the convexsurface of the lens surface at the object side of the negative lenselement G3an more curved. Consequently, in order to avoid interferencewith the aperture SP disposed at the object side of the 3a'th lens unitL3 a, the distance between the aperture SP and the 3a'th lens unit L3 abecomes larger.

At this time, the gap between the aperture SP and the 3b'th lens unit L3b also becomes larger, the lens diameter of the 3b'th lens unit L3 bincreases, and also the weight increases.

Consequently, a driving device for driving the 3b'th lens sub-unit L3 bbecomes large in size due to correction of blurring, which is notdesirable.

It is further desirable to set the lower limit value of Conditionalexpression (6) to −0.50, or preferably to −0.25. Exceeding the upperlimit value of Conditional expression (6) makes the negative refractivepower of the negative lens element G3ann weak, or makes the positiverefractive power strong, and consequently makes it difficult to secure along back focus, which is undesirable. It is desirable to set the upperlimit value to 0.08.

Note that with the respective embodiments, a lens unit having smallrefractive power may be added at the object side of the first lens unitL1, or at the image side of the fourth lens unit L4. Also, ateleconverter lens, a wide converter lens, or the like may be disposedat the object side or image side.

As described above, according to the respective embodiments, thearrangement of refractive power of each lens unit, the lensconfiguration of each lens unit are appropriately set, and also therelatively small light-weight 3b'th lens sub-unit making up a part ofthe third lens unit L3 is taken as an image stabilizing lens unit.Subsequently, the 3b'th lens sub-unit is moved in a direction having acomponent in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, therebycorrecting the blurring of an image when the zoom lens is vibrated(tilted). Thus, a zoom lens can be obtained wherein reduction in size ofthe entire optical system, mechanical simplification, and reduction inload of a driving device are realized, and also the aberration due toeccentricity at the time of subjecting the relevant lens unit toeccentricity is appropriately corrected.

First through third numerical examples corresponding to the firstthrough third embodiments are shown below. With the respective numericalexamples, i denotes the order number of a plane from the object side, ridenotes a i′th (i′th plane) curvature radius, di denotes the intervalwith the i′th plane+1 plane, and ni and vi each denote an index and Abbenumber with a d-line as reference.

Also, with the first through third numerical examples, three planes atthe most image side are planes equivalent to an optical block. With anaspherical shape, when assuming that the displacement in the opticalaxis direction at the position of a height H from the optical axis is Xwith a plane peak as reference, X can be represented as follows.

$x = {\frac{\left( {1/R} \right)h^{2}}{1 + \sqrt{\left\{ {1 - {\left( {1 + k} \right)\left( {h/R} \right)^{2}}} \right\}}} + {Bh}^{4} + {Ch}^{6} + {Dh}^{8} + {Eh}^{10} + {Fh}^{12}}$

wherein R represents a paraxial curvature radius, k represents a coneconstant, and B, C, D, E, and F represent aspherical coefficients. Also,“e-X” means “×10^(−x)”, f represents focal length, FNo represents thef-stop, and ω represents a half-field angle.

Also, the relations between the above-mentioned respective conditionalexpressions and the various numeric values in the numerical embodimentsare shown in Table 1.

[First Numerical Embodiment] f = 4.59~52.60   FNo = 1: 1.66~2.88   2ω =66.4°~6.5° r1 = 1340.134 d1 = 2.65 n1 = 1.80518 ν1 = 25.4 r2 = 63.184 d2= 9.00 n2 = 1.51633 ν2 = 64.1 r3 = −185.115 d3 = 0.25 r4 = 71.527 d4 =4.65 n3 = 1.60311 ν3 = 60.6 r5 = 833.988 d5 = 0.25 r6 = 40.112 d6 = 4.85n4 = 1.77250 ν4 = 49.6 r7 = 98.483 d7 = variable r8 = 75.414 d8 = 1.05n5 = 1.83481 ν5 = 42.7 r9 = 8.460 d9 = 4.96 r10 = −25.708 d10 = 0.95 n6= 1.88300 ν6 = 40.8 r11 = 70.356 d11 = 0.45 r12 = 21.114 d12 = 5.25 n7 =1.76182 ν7 = 26.5 r13 = −14.267 d13 = 0.80 n8 = 1.66672 ν8 = 48.3 r14 =75.081 d14 = variable r15 = ∞(aperture) d15 = 6.17 r16 = −20243.348 d16= 0.75 n9 = 1.88300 ν9 = 40.8 r17 = 15.928 d17 = 2.61 n10 = 1.80518 ν10= 25.4 r18 = 469.626 d18 = 1.49 r19 = 45.809(aspheric surface) d19 =3.90 n11 = 1.58313 ν11 = 59.4 r20 = −18.179 d20 = 2.80 n12 = 1.84666 ν12= 23.9 r21 = −33.982 d21 = variable r22 = 69.921 d22 = 2.65 n13 =1.60311 ν13 = 60.6 r23 = −53.106 d23 = 0.20 r24 = 31.586 d24 = 0.85 n14= 1.84666 ν14 = 23.9 r25 = 13.510 d25 = 3.80 n15 = 1.69680 ν15 = 55.5r26 = −140.727 d26 = variable r27 = ∞ d27 = 21.00 n16 = 1.70154 ν16 =41.2 r28 = ∞ d28 = 3.50 n17 = 1.51633 ν17 = 64.1 r29 = ∞ focal lengthvariable interval 4.59 20.36 52.60 d7 1.05 26.17 34.55 d14 37.53 12.404.03 d21 12.76 9.49 10.92 d26 4.10 7.37 5.94 aspherical coefficient19'th plane K B C D E F −3.3658e+00 −5.4734e−06 2.4831e−08 8.8135e−11−1.1844e−11 1.27575e−13

[Second Numerical Embodiment] f = 4.59~52.67   FNo = 1: 1.66~2.88   2ω =66.3°~6.5° r1 = 295.928 d1 = 2.60 n1 = 1.80518 ν1 = 25.4 r2 = 59.627 d2= 8.11 n2 = 1.51633 ν2 = 64.1 r3 = −282.336 d3 = 0.25 r4 = 71.901 d4 =4.63 n3 = 1.51633 ν3 = 64.1 r5 = 1486.913 d5 = 0.25 r6 = 38.706 d6 =4.58 n4 = 1.71300 ν4 = 53.9 r7 = 101.899 d7 = variable r8 = 82.791 d8 =1.05 n5 = 1.83481 ν5 = 42.7 r9 = 8.372 d9 = 4.72 r10 = −27.366 d10 =0.95 n6 = 1.88300 ν6 = 40.8 r11 = 54.055 d11 = 0.21 r12 = 18.806 d12 =4.74 n7 = 1.80518 ν7 = 25.4 r13 = −18.806 d13 = 0.80 n8 = 1.77250 ν8 =49.6 r14 = 84.755 d14 = variable r15 = ∞(aperture) d15 = 6.50 r16 =−69.575 d16 = 0.75 n9 = 1.88300 ν9 = 40.8 r17 = 16.732 d17 = 2.87 n10 =1.80518 ν10 = 25.4 r18 = −128.596 d18 = 0.5 r19 = 15.189(asphericsurface) d19 = 3.82 n11 = 1.58313 ν11 = 59.4 r20 = −89.423 d20 = 0.75n12 = 1.69895 ν12 = 30.1 r21 = 20.212 d21 = 1.40 r22 = 540.329 d22 =1.77 n13 = 1.66672 ν13 = 48.3 r23 = −34.259 d23 = variable r24 = 51.983d24 = 2.14 n14 = 1.60311 ν14 = 60.6 r25 = −51.983 d25 = 0.20 r26 =28.582 d26 = 0.85 n15 = 1.84666 ν15 = 23.9 r27 = 13.065 d27 = 3.83 n16 =1.69680 ν16 = 55.5 r28 = −316.875 d28 = variable r29 = ∞ d29 = 21.00 n17= 1.70154 ν17 = 41.2 r30 = ∞ d30 = 3.50 n18 = 1.51633 ν18 = 64.1 r31 = ∞focal length variable interval 4.59 21.10 52.67 d7 1.09 26.21 34.59 d1435.86 10.73 2.36 d23 11.13 7.11 7.89 d28 4.19 8.20 7.42 asphericalcoefficient 19'th plane K B C D E F −8.1330e−01 −4.7575e−06 5.7128e−08−2.7963e−10 5.6007e−12 −3.81256e−14

[Third Numerical Embodiment] f = 4.59~52.63   FNo = 1: 1.66~2.88   2ω =66.4°~6.5° r1 = 426.818 d1 = 2.65 n1 = 1.80518 ν1 = 25.4 r2 = 58.430 d2= 8.68 n2 = 1.51633 ν2 = 64.1 r3 = −260.152 d3 = 0.25 r4 = 66.062 d4 =4.66 n3 = 1.60311 ν3 = 60.6 r5 = 459.385 d5 = 0.25 r6 = 41.482 d6 = 4.70n4 = 1.77250 ν4 = 49.6 r7 = 105.595 d7 = variable r8 = 77.766 d8 = 1.05n5 = 1.83481 ν5 = 42.7 r9 = 8.370 d9 = 4.95 r10 = −25.060 d10 = 0.95 n6= 1.88300 ν6 = 40.8 r11 = 73.740 d11 = 0.31 r12 = 20.394 d12 = 5.23 n7 =1.76182 ν7 = 26.5 r13 = −14.024 d13 = 0.80 n8 = 1.66672 ν8 = 48.3 r14 =68.227 d14 = variable r15 = ∞(aperture) d15 = 6.11 r16 = 375.114 d16 =0.75 n9 = 1.88300 ν9 = 40.8 r17 = 16.994 d17 = 2.39 n10 = 1.80518 ν10 =25.4 r18 = 233.657 d18 = 1.18 r19 = 28.235(aspheric surface) d19 = 3.49n11 = 1.58313 ν11 = 59.4 r20 = −59.076 d20 = 0.75 n12 = 1.84666 ν12 =23.9 r21 = 146.800 d21 = 4.08 r22 = −109.888 d22 = 1.63 n13 = 1.51633ν13 = 64.1 r23 = −29.053 d23 = variable r24 = 60.776 d24 = 1.89 n14 =1.60311 ν14 = 60.6 r25 = −62.934 d25 = 0.20 r26 = 30.645 d26 = 0.85 n15= 1.84666 ν15 = 23.9 r27 = 13.673 d27 = 3.72 n16 = 1.69680 ν16 = 55.5r28 = −182.824 d28 = variable r29 = ∞ d29 = 21.00 n17 = 1.70154 ν17 =41.2 r30 = ∞ d30 = 3.50 n18 = 1.51633 ν18 = 64.1 r31 = ∞ focal lengthvariable interval 4.59 20.44 52.63 d7 1.03 26.16 34.53 d14 37.22 12.103.72 d23 9.77 6.28 7.51 d28 4.14 7.62 6.40 aspherical coefficient 19'thplane K B C D E F −4.9936e+00 6.3843e−06 −4.8232e−08 4.8004e−10−7.7948e−12 5.70229e−14

TABLE 1 First Second Third Conditional numerical numerical numericalexpression embodiment embodiment embodiment (1) 0.30 0.30 0.30 (2) 0.110.11 0.11 (3) 64.1 64.1 64.1 (4) 60.6 64.1 60.6 (5) 49.6 53.9 49.6 (6)0.00 −0.24 0.05

Next, description will be made regarding an embodiment of a video cameraemploying a zoom lens according to the present invention as aphotographic optical system with reference to FIG. 13.

In FIG. 13, reference numeral 10 denotes a video camera main unit, and11 denotes a photographic optical system made up of a zoom lensaccording to the present invention. Reference numeral 12 denotes asolid-state image pickup element (photoelectric conversion element) suchas a CCD sensor, CMOS sensor, or the like which receives an object imageby the photographic optical system 11. Reference numeral 13 denotesmemory configured to store the information corresponding to an objectimage photographic-converted by the image pickup element 12, and 14denotes a finder configured to observe an object image displayed on anunshown display element.

Thus, a zoom lens according to the present invention is applied to animage pickup apparatus such as a video camera or the like, whereby asmall image pickup apparatus including high optical performance can berealized. Note that a zoom lens according to the present invention canbe applied to a digital still camera as well.

According to the present embodiment, an aspherical lens is disposed atan appropriate position (within a lens unit) of a zoom lens, therebyfacilitating realization of high optical performance while realizingreduction in the entire lens length. Also, according to the presentembodiment, the lens configuration of a lens unit for image stabilizingis appropriately set, thereby preventing optical performance at the timeof correction of image blurring from deteriorating.

Also, according to the present embodiment, a zoom lens can be obtainedwherein reduction in size of the entire optical system is realized, andalso the decentration aberration at the time of subjecting a lens unitfor image stabilizing to eccentricity is reduced, and high opticalperformance is obtained.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all modifications, equivalent structures and functions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Application No.2006-151546 filed May 31, 2006, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

1. A zoom lens comprising, in order from the object side to the imageside: a first lens unit having positive refractive power; a second lensunit having negative refractive power; a third lens unit having positiverefractive power; and a fourth lens unit having positive refractivepower; wherein the third lens unit includes, in order from the objectside to the image side a 3a'th lens sub-unit having negative refractivepower, and a 3b'th lens sub-unit having positive refractive power; andwherein the second lens unit and the fourth lens unit move on theoptical axis during zooming; and wherein the 3b'th lens sub-unit movesin a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby displacing animage in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis; and whereinthe 3a'th lens sub-unit includes a negative lens element G3an both ofwhose major surfaces are spherical surfaces, and a positive lenselement, both of whose both major surfaces are spherical surfaces; andwherein the 3a'th lens sub-unit includes a positive lens element G3bphaving an aspherical lens surface, and a negative lens element; andwherein, when assuming that the indices of the materials of the negativelens element G3an and the positive lens element G3bp are NG3an and NG3bprespectively, a condition of0.25≦NG3an−NG3bp is satisfied; and wherein the first lens unit includes,in order from the object side to the image side a negative lens elementG11, a positive lens element G12, a positive lens element G13, and apositive lens element G14; and wherein when assuming that the Abbenumbers of the materials of the positive lens element G12, positive lenselement G13, and positive lens element G 14 are vdG12, vdG13, and vdG14,the conditions60.1<vdG12<75.160.1<vdG13<75.149.1<vdG14<60.1 are satisfied.
 2. The zoom lens according to claim 1,wherein when assuming that the index of the material of the positivelens element having the highest index of a material which is part of thefourth lens unit is NG4p, a condition of0.07 <NG4p−NG3bp is satisfied.
 3. The zoom lens according to claim 1,wherein the 3a'th lens sub-unit consists of, in order from the objectside to the image side: a negative lens element, in which the absolutevalue of refractive power at the image side surface of this negativelens element is larger than the absolute value of refractive power atthe object side surface of this negative lens element; and a positivelens element, in which the absolute value of refractive power at theobject side surface of this positive lens element is larger than theabsolute value of refractive power at the image side surface of thispositive lens element; and wherein the both surfaces of this positivelens element are spherical surfaces; wherein, when assuming that thecurvature radii of the object side and image side lens surfaces of thenegative lens element G3an are RG3an1 and RG3an2 respectively, thecondition−1.0<RG3an2/RG3an1 <0.1 is satisfied.
 4. The zoom lens according toclaim 1, wherein an image is formed on a solid-state image pickupelement.
 5. An image pickup apparatus comprising: a solid-state imagepickup element; and the zoom lens according to claim 1 configured toform an image of an object on the solid-state image pickup element.